Electronically Translated Text

SMALL DEBTS Court.—The sittings of this Court took place on the 6th instant ; there were only ten cases on the list, all of which were disposed of in about two hours. The matters in dispute were all of a trifling nature.

LUNATIC.—A man commonly called "Parra- matta Jack" was brought up on the 6th instant at the instance of W. J. Cordeaux, Esq., (by whom he had been employed as a shepherd) charged as being a dangerous lunatic ; he was very eccentric in his behaviour, notwithstand- ing which he gave correct answers to almost every question that was put to him. He was remanded in order to afford opportunity to me- dical gentlemen to examine into his case. His real name is McClune Killpatrick, and arrived in the ship Hero, 1835, a prisoner, for seven years, but is now free.

MEDICAL PROFESSION.—Mr. E. J. Abraham,

late of Sydney, has come amongst us to follow his profession us apothecary and druggist, and from the great need that existed for such an establishment here, we anticipate he will meet

with success.

MARRIAGE OF AN ABORIGINAL.—A rather

novel marriage was solemnised last week at Sutton Forest, being no less than that of an aboriginal black to a white woman. The blackfellow was some time previously baptised, but in what name we know not. He is

commonly called Black Harry, and earns a

livelihood as a horse-breaker. He is very intelligent and industrious.

THE RAILWAY.—It has been currently re- ported that the contemplated railway is to pass through this town, and that the gaol here is to be converted into a station for the same. How far this is true we know not, but as there is no doubt when once established it will super- sede all other modes of conveyance by reason of the manifold advantages which it will pos- sess, we would strongly advise the inhabitants of this district particularly to support it by becoming large shareholders. We understand that sub-committees have, or are being formed in all the inland towns for the purpose of af- fording the surrounding settlers every informa- tion on the subject. We would suggest the propriety of a public meeting being convened in Berrima, at an early day, where a full en- quiry might be made into the merits of the pro- ject, and we have no doubt there are many who would then become shareholders, that hold back now from not knowing what lasting benefits are conferred on a country by the esta- blishment of such means of transport. There are many reasons why the Berramites should sup- port the formation of a railway through the southern country. The land about Berrima, Bong Bong, and Mittagong, is proverbial for the quantity and quality of the crops grown there- on, but from the absence of cheap and speedy modes of conveyance to a market, hundreds of acres of rich land are suffered to remain un-

tilled simply because the present rate of car- riage is greater than what the land could be

cultivated for. We believe the Provisional Committee are more desirous to see the greater number of shares taken by the country resi- dents than the townspeople, as it is those who will derive the most direct benefit from the road.

COPPER, SILVER, LEAD, AND IRON MINES.— It would seem that the district of Berrima, notwithstanding the abolition of the various sources on which it was supposed to have been dependent for its existence, is yet destined to become one of the most flourishing and

wealthy in the colony. There appears to be no end to the riches contained in its soil :

mines of all kinds are being worked ; and, if report speaks true, with every certainty of proving profitable to the enterprising pro- prietors. First on the list is the copper mine of Mr. Throsby and others, on the Wollon- dilly, the ore of which is said to be very rich.

Silver and lead have also been found on the same property. Mr. Ward, of Paddy's River,

has discovered a silver and lead mine on his

land, and specimens of the ore have been sent to Sydney to test the value thereof. And of Mr. Neale's iron mine, at the Ironstone Bridge, the public have already witnessed the success by the specimens of manufactured articles lately exhibited in Sydney. For this latter mine a number of hands are daily ex- pected up, and when they arrive the work will be carried on vigorously.

ARCHBISHOP POLDING.—His Grace arrived

in town this morning in company with Dr. Gregory and the Rev. Mr. McGinty ; after remaining at Mr. McMahon's Inn a couple of hours, the party proceeded on to Marulan. He is not expected back before the 17th. It has been decided to commence the erection of the

Roman Catholic Chapel before the end of

harvest.

CROPS.—The farmers are busy hay-making ; but from the want of labourers the crops will take some time to gather. The potatoe crop looks well, and new potatoes are in use in all the farm-houses. The maize crop will be

late this season.

WEATHER.—There have been so many changes in the state of the atmosphere lately, that it is hard to say whether fair weather has set in yet or not ; this (9th) has been a very hot day, but towards evening a delicious cool breeze sprang up. If we might hazard a con- jecture, we would say that summer has finally

set in.

ROADS.—We understand the Warden (C. Throsby, Esq.) has applied for a sum of money to be placed at his disposal for the repair of that portion of the Great South Road passing through this district. We trust the applica- tion may be successful, as there are many parts of the road in a very dilapidated and dangerous state.